but the law, enacted in 1950, did not envision the internet. documents and images in cyber space have been regulated in the same way. japan has lagged behind other countries such as the united states, britain and germany, where there are few restrictions on internet election campaigning. >> translator: communication tools are completely different from the old days. it's good to update the law. >> translator: i'm all for the revision. i'm busy with my job and child care and it's been hard to obtain certain information. >> reporter: the debate on lifting the ban on online campaigning began the late 1990s but lawmakers made little progress due partly to political wrangling. prime minister shinzo abe has advocated lifting the ban. >> translator: we should use the internet for publicity and to exchange information in election campaigns. online campaigning will help increase voter turnout. >> reporter: social media operators welcome the revisions. they say it will boost dialogue. and improve the quality of elections. however, critics are concerned ab